Rail Electrical Work
Rail Electrical Work
Ensuring the rail tracks are safe is vital for adequate traffic flow with no issues or delays. For this reason, hundreds of workers perform regular rail electrical work. Since the UK railways are constantly improving and expanding, the demand for workers in this sector has been rising.
Rail electrical work encompasses numerous job positions. Some require a degree, while others require proof you’re trained as an electrician. Whatever position you’re applying for, it’s essential to remember that this line of work demands responsibility and attention to detail. Mistakes could result in injuries and major financial expenses.
Rail Electrical Work Requirements
Most rail electrical job positions require candidates to hold the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card. This card is issued by the Joint Industry Board (JIB), and it’s proof of your competence as an electrician.
Moreover, the Personal Track Safety (PTS) course may be mandatory for performing rail electrical work. Working on or near the rails can be extremely unsafe if you’re unfamiliar with the standards. Inadequate behaviour can result in injuries and even death, which is why the PTS course is essential. It teaches you everything you need to know about safety precautions when working on rail tracks.
Most employers will appreciate it if you have the 18th Edition, which details industry standards (BS 7671:2018) for electrical wiring and installations. Electricians who have completed this course have proof they are acquainted with the latest UK electrical wiring and installations standards. This course also proves you have extensive experience working as an electrician, which could be a significant advantage if you want to do rail electrical work.
Managerial and supervisory positions within this field typically require you to have a degree in electrical engineering or a similar technical field. Since these positions often come with a lot of responsibility, most employers prefer if you have experience performing similar duties.
If you’re interested in rail electrical work, you should be aware you’ll spend most of your working hours outdoors. Plus, since you’ll be required to stand or kneel for extended periods, you should be in good physical shape. Some employers may require a medical exam to confirm your fitness for work.
Rail Electrical Work Responsibilities
Rail electrical work involves maintaining and repairing rails. You should be familiar with the company’s standards and perform regular inspections of different system parts to ensure they meet those standards. Moreover, you should know how to operate different tools and equipment used for rail electrical work.
If you have a managerial or supervisory position, you’ll be required to inspect and assess the work of your team members. Also, you’ll need to file proper documentation and reports that explain the work that has been done. Finally, you might be in charge of creating work schedules and assigning duties to your team.
Unity Recruitment Can Help
Unity Recruitment assists people in finding a job that matches their expectations and qualifications. If you’re interested in working in the railway industry, our experienced team will help you achieve your goal. We have a large employer database and will find the perfect fit for you as soon as possible.
The first step towards employment is submitting your CV on our application page. After that, we’ll contact you to discuss the process.


